The success of a party depends largely on good food. Alcohol can make or break a party, and this is why you need to choose the perfect wine to keep your party going and make your guests happy. With the right wines, it’s a real treat for your guests. Here’s a mini-guide to help you find the right wines for your wedding reception.

Choosing wines according to the theme

One of the determining factors in choosing wines is your wedding theme. If you’re planning a reception with a glamorous and chic theme, it’s best to choose white wine for the appetizer, red wine for the main course, and sweet wine for dessert.

For a country and casual theme, leave room for original wines with a humorous design, such as rosé wines from the South or from Provence. They will bring a warm atmosphere to your reception. Have you decided to honor your country or region of origin by choosing your theme? Then choosing local wines is the best option.

Choose wines according to the season.

The time of year you plan to celebrate your union can also help you select your wine bottles. For a summer wedding, it’s best to choose cool, light wines that will refresh your guests. Chardonnay and Sauvignon are at the top of the list of the most popular wines.

But there is also the dry white wine from Portugal, the “vinho verde” or green wine that can accompany almost any dish. It is appreciated for its sparkling taste and its particularly refreshing fine bubbles. However, if you really want to give a place to red wine during your reception, prefer fruity and light wines like Pinot noir.

Will your wedding take place in winter? Sommeliers recommend white wine, which can be perfectly paired with white meat, shellfish, and fish dishes. There are, for example, Burgundy wines, white Friuli, or white Rhone. Not to mention the prestigious wines of Alsace, such as Riesling or Tokay Pinot Gris. Are you planning to serve a seafood platter on the big day? Look for crisp, fresh white wines such as Sancerre or Pouilly fumé.

Are you a fan of Italian wines? Burgundy, Rhone, or Medoc are the ideal wines to accompany beef, lamb, and mutton. Only red wines can enhance red meats so well. Then choose the classics like Chianti Classico or Vino Nobile.

Choose wines according to the region.

If choosing a beverage for your reception is a real headache, one way to simplify things is to focus on the region where you are celebrating. There are certainly a number of vineyards in the area that produce good wines. Favoring local products allows you to have their traceability. It is also a good way to exchange with the producers and to support them in their business.

You can get advice from a wine merchant if you have trouble making your choice once you are there. If you plan to celebrate your wedding in the Normandy region, for example, you can go to a professional wine seller to buy bottles of red wine. This winemaker also produces, sells, and delivers a wide range of champagnes, the must-have beverages for parties.

How to determine the quantity to bring?

To determine the number of bottles of wine sufficient for your guests, do not hesitate to ask your caterer for advice. Generally, we recommend:

• One bottle of red wine for two people
• One bottle of white wine for three or four guests
• One bottle of rosé wine for two or three guests.

To avoid over-mixing, offer only two or at most three types of wine. Another recommendation: serve white wines first and then red wines.

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